What is a lowland expedition leader?

The Lowland Expedition Leader (LEL) level 3 is a recognised qualification that encompasses map reading, navigation and campcraft skills as well as planning expedition/s routes.

A Lowland Expedition Leader differs  from a Lowland Leader in that, as the title may suggest, rather than leading day walks only on lowland terrain, an expedition leader leads multi day expeditions in lowland countryside that often includes an overnight camp as well.

What is the difference between a Lowland Leader and a Lowland Expedition Leader?

A Lowland Expedition Leader is usually a youth worker, those who work in education or work with young people and their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expeditions. They will have basic navigation skills but also expedition route planning and campcraft skills. The same lowland terrain is navigated but the skill set is elevated to managing a group of people over a period of days and overnight camping. Camping skills are required including tent set up, cooking, kit management and expedition planning. This course can take you from zero to hero as there is no requirement to have logged walks prior to training but outdoor experience is certainly assumed to be part of a pre-existing skill set. The training consists of 4 – 6 days, a consolidation period and then a further 2 days assessment expedition. An Outdoor Pursuits 16 hour (2 day) First Aid Level 3 qualification is required.

A Lowland Leader is typically an adult professional leading organised walking groups. They will have a basic to intermediate level of navigation skills and the terrain they navigate the walks through are clearly defined lowland paths, woodland or farmland. No camping skills are required. A prerequisite of 10 logged lowland walks is generally required before training can be given. The duration of a training course tends to be 2 days of training with a 2 day assessment. As a minimum, an 8 Hour (1 day) Outdoor Pursuits First Aid Level 3 qualification is required but it is often preferred that a 16 hour (2 day) course is completed.

What is a lowland walk?

A lowland walk will consist of routes taken in the countryside that is not in a remote location and where weather conditions are unlikely to be extreme, therefore major problems are not foreseen on the route. This could be farm tracks (where accessibility is allowed), winding  lanes, footpaths or woodlands.

Who needs a Level 3 qualification in lowland expedition leadership?

This qualification is ideal for all level of educators, school teachers, youth workers and is especially popular for those supporting Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. Anyone who wishes to supervise adults and young people on multi day expeditions that includes an overnight camp.

 The LEL level 3 will be required for anyone supervising young people during their Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. In order to train and supervise during Dof E expeditions the leader must have the LEL level 3 rather than the Lowland Leader qualification as Duke of Edinburgh participants are required to  experience an overnight camp.

A confident lowland expedition leader starts with the right training.

Our approach to training, in all our courses, is hands on and interactive. Our training courses are built around the real-world experiences of our instructors. The challenges that our instructors have experienced leading expeditions across the globe gives our training the edge that others often can’t provide.

What You'll Learn on our lowland expedition leader course.

• Navigation & map reading
• Campcraft & equipment
• Route and expedition planning and preparation
• Risk management & emergency procedures
• Group leadership & safeguarding

Our course is designed by professionally qualified leaders with real world experience leading groups across the globe. Our aim is to not only get you qualified but to get you prepared and confident to lead a group. We are passionate about equipping aspiring leaders with the correct skills and mindset to lead groups safely and with confidence.

What does a Lowland Expedition course consist of?

Our training course consists of the following elements which are a mixture of classroom and outside activities.

Day 1: Leadership Skills & Industry Standards

Day 2: Safety and Weather & Day walk

Day 3: Equipment selection and craft

Day 4: Navigation and expedition planning

Day 5: Planning to Lead & Exped Day 1

Day 6: Exped Day 2 & Consolidation

Consolidation period: During this phase, delegates are expected to complete a minimum of 15 hours of independent leadership, including leading two different lowland expeditions.

Days 7&8: Assessment expedition

This year we are running the Lowland Expedition Leader course on the following dates, with two available options to hopefully suit everyone’s availability.

2025 Course dates

Option 1 - Split over 3 weekends

Days 1-2: Monday May 26th – Tuesday May 27th

Days 3-4: Saturday June 14th – Sunday June 15th

Days 5-6: Saturday July 5th – Sunday July 6th (campsite overnight)

Option 2 – Intensive one week

Days 1-6: Monday July 21st – Saturday July 26th (campsite overnight)

More information about the course is available on our website here https://dev.daceducation.co.uk/lowland-expedition-leader/

If you would like to talk through any element of this course or to book your place please get in touch with us via the website or by email info@daceducation.co.uk.